If the price is somewhat even, I would definately build the bigger motor. (I'm not sure of your mechanical knowledge so excuse me if I sound too simplistic). A larger engine naturally puts out more torque without having to exert itself as much as the smaller one. A 502 c.i. big block can easily make 500 horsepower without a whole hell of a lot of trick parts. A 350 on the other hand can as well, but with more parts that lead to a shorter life, i.e: a larger, much less streetable cam, higher compression, etc. A 396 can make a hell of a lot of power and if you can do it naturally aspirated, then it will be under less strain than a smaller motor under the load of supercharger boost. I wish I was in your situation. I'm trying to come to terms with the fact that my 95GT runs like a turd. I just might have to supercharge it to get the level of performance I want. It doesn't take much to be an effective street killer; my '71 small block powered Chevelle was running high 11's. In street trims on BFG Drag Radials, I ran a 12.34 @ 111.5 mph spinning through first gear and grabbing in the middle of second. I never lost a street race. Goes to show, if you can just run 12's in street trim, you've got a great street car.
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Todd
1995GT Cobra look-alike
pulleys; Flowmaster cat-back; 65mm TB; Cobra R's, front, and wing; FMS aluminum driveshaft, Mac off-road H pipe
e-mail: todd5874@bellsouth.net
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